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Present research reports the effect of nano-scale martensite (αʺ) and β phase on the passive film formation and electrochemical corrosion behaviour of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy in the 3.5% NaCl solution. Nanocrystals with different αʺ/β phase proportion were obtained by room temperature (RT) and Low temperature (LT) burnishing processing. The results show that nano-scale martensite and β phase could promote the growth of passive film and the diffusion of element V, respectively. Corrosion resistance of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy was enhanced due to the presence of passive film with large thickness and stability, resulting from nano-scale martensite and more β phase in the alloy. Combined with the results of passive film and electrochemical corrosion, a probable mechanism is proposed to interpret the influence of nano-scale martensite (αʺ) and β phase on the passive film formation and corrosion behaviour of Ti-10V-2Al-3Fe titanium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in modulating neuropathic pain after sciatic nerve injury. In this study, we explored the role of secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (SFRP1), a Wnt antagonist, in neuropathic pain using a mouse model following spinal nerve ligation (SNL). We found SNL‐induced SFRP1 downregulation in the spinal cord. Further, overexpression of SFRP1 via spinal injection into the spinal cord attenuated SNL‐induced allodynia, hyperalgesia, and neuroinflammation. Consistently, in vitro assays also showed decreased expression of SFRP1 in spinal cord astrocytes after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Overexpression of SFRP1 significantly alleviated the secretion of LPS‐induced proinflammatory factors in spinal cord astrocytes. Furthermore, spinal injection of LPS‐treated astrocytes induced allodynia and hyperalgesia, which were reversed by the overexpression of SFRP1 in these cells. Additionally, SNL increased Wnt3a and β‐catenin levels and also induced an increase in nuclear expression of β‐catenin; these effects were all attenuated by SFRP1. Finally, we found that downregulation of SFRP1, mainly through DNA methylation, is involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Taken together, these results suggested that the SFRP1/Wnt3a/β‐catenin signaling pathway might be a suitable therapeutic target for neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is widely used in the fermentation industry. Previously, we identified Lactobacillus delbrueckii DMLD-H1, a strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus , from traditional Chinese fermented milk. In this research, we sequenced the complete genome of DMLD-H1, which contains 1,836,627 bp in length with a total of 1947 genes and an average G + C content of 49.86%. In total, 103 carbohydrate metabolism genes are annotated in the KEGG database, and it is showed that DMLD-H1 has the ability to transport lactose, glucose, fructose, and mannose. Antibiotic resistance genes, genes encoding toxins and virulence factor genes are absent in risk-associated sequences of DMLD-H1. We also confirm its safety by indole assay, nitroreductase assay, and antibiotic resistance tests. A wide range of stress-related proteins may contribute to the survival of DMLD-H1 in the gastrointestinal environment, including oxidative stress, pH, bile salts, and temperature stress. The large number of adhesion proteins and stress response genes identified in DMLD-H1 in the genome-wide analysis, as well as phenotypic experiments including resistance to bile salts and acid, antioxidant, antimicrobial and self-cohesion activity, exhibited its excellent probiotic properties. This study demonstrates that DMLD-H1 can be a candidate fermentative agent in fermented dairy products. [Display omitted] • The entire genome of Lactobacillus delbrueckii DMLD-H1 was firstly sequenced. • The carbohydrate metabolic pathway is revealed in DMLD-H1. • The safety and probiotic properties of DMLD-H1 are described by genome analysis. • DMLD-H1 has a gene cluster for the generation of enterolysin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Probe is capable of detecting ONOO− with a longwave fluorescence emission. • TL could monitor high concentration of dexamethasone-induced an up-regulation of ONOO−. • Probe has mitochondrial targeting capability. • Probe have good selectivity and low detection limit. • The imaging demonstrated its value of practical application. Peroxynitrite (ONOO−), as a strong oxidizing reactive nitrogen substance (RNS), is generated endogenously by cells. Its visualization research is crucial to understand relevant disease processes. Herein, we reported a long-wavelength mitochondria-targeted fluorescence "turn on" probe TL. The probe TL could react with ONOO− by using 4-(Bromomethyl)benzeneboronic as a reactive site, which exhibited outstanding characteristics for detection of ONOO−, thus improving response time (about 50 s), sensitivity (DL, 10.1 nM), and emission wavelength (667 nm). Besides, TL displayed well mitochondria targeting and biological visualizing of exogenous and endogenous ONOO− in biological systems. Finally, TL was used to monitor high concentration of dexamethasone-induced an up-regulation of ONOO−. This indicated that TL has excellent potential to study the fluctuation of ONOO− in the physiological and pathological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of important indicators of atherosclerosis (AS), excess homocysteine (Hcy), could cause oxidation stress, thus leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl−), as an important reactive oxygen species, is speculated to be an indicator of AS caused by Hcy-inducated. Here, a fluorescence nanoprobe LR NPs based on the assembly of pluronic F-127 and probe TR was developed for ClO− detection and imaging during Hcy stress. As expected, LR NPs showed good selectivity and sensitivity for ClO− detection. LR NPs can visualize the fluxes of HClO/ClO− during the stimulation of Hcy induce AS in real time, which demonstrated HClO/ClO− could be performed as an indicator of AS. [Display omitted] • A nano-fluorescent probe (LR NPs) with high sensitivity and selectivity to ClO− was designed and synthesized. • LR NPs was applied to detect endogenous and exogenous ClO− in living cells. • The fluorescent imaging of ClO− caused by Hcy-induced was reported for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation corrosion of metallic plutonium, intentional or unavoidable, is a crucial issue for its actual applications. However, the atomistic mechanisms behind such oxidation remain elusive. Through a systematic first principles study of the oxygen diffusion in plutonium dioxide, sesquioxide, and their interface, we obtained some dynamic parameters of oxygen diffusion in different oxides. Moreover, we also discovered a dynamic equilibrium and an anisotropic pathway that prefers the [001] crystallographic direction for oxygen diffusion at their interface. These conclusions were in accord with the experimental results of ceria oxides, an ideal analogue of the plutonium oxides with 4f electrons. These results help us to better understand the mechanisms of oxidation corrosion of plutonium at an atomistic level, and to reveal prospects for applications of the anisotropic orientation-relevant fluorite-structured oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of machine learning methods to predict intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants. IVH is a common complication of preterm birth and is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study used electronic medical records and antenatal data to develop a predictive model for IVH. The model achieved good accuracy and stability, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88. The study identified several important risk factors for IVH, including gestational age, birth weight, hepatitis B and C infection, and red cell distribution width. However, the study has limitations, including being a single-center study and potential selection bias. Further research is needed to validate and improve the predictive model. [Extracted from the article]

Objective To explore the clinical effect and analgesic effect of 810 nm semiconductor laser in the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods From January 2015 to January 2017, 20 patients with moderate and severe chronic periodontitis were selected and divided into control group and experimental group according to the method of random number table, 10 cases in each group. The control group was treated with scaling and root planning. The experimental group was treated with 810 nm semiconductor laser on the basis of the control group. Before and after treatment, the positive rate of blood loss index (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and periodontal pocket depth (PD) were compared between the two groups, and the pain degree of the two groups was evaluated by visual analogue score (VAS). Results After treatment, the level of PD, CAL and the positive rate of BOP in the two groups were significantly different from those before treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the levels of PD and CAL between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in the positive rate of BOP between the two groups (P < 0.05). The differences of VAS scores, dentin sensitivity and treatment time between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions occurred in both groups during the treatment. Conclusion 810 nm semiconductor laser has a significant clinical effect in the adjuvant treatment of chronic periodontitis, which can effectively improve the pain and comfort of patients, and is worthy of clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of cryogenic burnishing on the corrosion product film formation mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy has been investigated in this work. The corrosion product films of both burnished and unburnished specimens exhibited three distinct oxide layers. Compared with un-burnished specimens, burnished specimens possessed a thicker subsurface layer with high-valent oxides and additional Al 2 O 3 in the inner layer. The chemical activity, diffusion, and distribution of alloy elements were changed by high-density dislocations, nano-grains, twins and compressive residual stress induced by cryogenic burnishing, resulting in the enhancement of the compactness, thickness, growth rate and protection of corrosion product film on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisperoxovanadium (pyridine-2-carboxyl) [bpV(pic)] is a commercially available PTEN inhibitor. Previous studies from us and others have shown that bpV(pic) confers neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury. We set up to determine whether ERK 1/2 activation plays a role in bpV(pic)-induced neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia injury. We found that the phosphorylation levels of Akt (p-AKT) and ERK1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) were down-regulated after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The injection of bpV(pic) after injury not only increased the level of p-AKT but also the level of p-ERK 1/2. While the inhibition of PTEN mediated the up-regulatation of p-AKT and p-ERK 1/2 by bpV(pic). Interestingly, the ERK 1/2 activation induced by bpV(pic) was also independent of the inhibition of PTEN. Our results indicate that bpV(pic) protects against OGD-induced neuronal death and promotes the functional recovery of stroke animals through PTEN inhibition and ERK 1/2 activation, respectively. This study suggests that the effect of bpV(pic) on ERK 1/2 signaling should be considered while using bpV(pic) as a PTEN inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on side-chain “Jacketing” effect, a series of main-chain/side-chain liquid crystalline polymers (MCSCLCPs) with different lengths of alkyl tail, poly (2,5-bis {[6-(4-alkoxy-4′-oxybiphenyl)-6-hexyl] oxycarbonyl} styrene) (denoted as P m , m represents the number of carbons in the alkyl tails and m  = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.) were synthesized through radical polymerization. Their phase structures were investigated using combined techniques, such as polarized optical microscope (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), one- and two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction (1D- and 2D-WAXD) and grazing-incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GI-WAXS). It has been identified that the phase structure of P m s is strongly dependent on the length of alkyl tail. P ms ( m  ≤ 4) with short alkyl tail exhibit double ordered structure on the nanometer and subnanometer scales. P ms ( m  ≥ 5) with lengthened alkyl tail form typical smectic C phase. Furthermore, GI-WAXS result reveals that both smectic and hierarchically ordered structure can form preferred orientation on the naked silicon wafer because of the homeotropic property of the side-chain mesogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring earth-abundant electrocatalysts with high activity and low-cost for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is vital to energy harvesting and storage, such as fuel cell and effective overall water splitting. Herein, novel heterostructures (Ni 3 S 2 /VS 2 ) without nitrogen (N) and with N doping are reported as superior electrocatalysts for the OER and HER, respectively. The heterostructure without doping shows enhanced OER performance with an extremely low overpotential (227 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 ) due to increased active sites and fantastic interfaces as well as unique structure. Moreover, N-doped Ni 3 S 2 /VS 2 (N-Ni 3 S 2 /VS 2 ) shows high electrocatalytic HER performance with a low HER overpotential (151 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 ), because the N-doping greatly improves conductivity and increases large amounts of catalytic active sites. Finally, we construct a two-electrode electrolyzer system (Ni 3 S 2 /VS 2 //N-Ni 3 S 2 /VS 2 ) and it achieves a current density of 10 mA/cm 2 at a low cell voltage of 1.648 V. Our findings demonstrate that structure design and doping can effectively improve the catalytic activities of nanomaterials for OER and HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of flaked Mg/g-C 3 N 4 catalysts were synthesized via an in-situ hydrothermal deposition method and measured their photocatalytic activity for CO 2 reduction. The characterization results indicated that the obtained Mg/pCN catalysts had high surface area and massive active sites for CO 2 absorption. The introduction of Mg species had a positive effect to extend the spectral response property and increased the separation rate of photogenerated electron-holes pairs. Mg-doped g-C 3 N 4 catalysts showed much higher photocatalytic performance than pCN. The maximum CH 4 and CO yields of 17.09 and 4.13 μmol/g-cat, respectively, had been obtained for CO 2 reduction after 6 h reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance radiation tolerance materials are crucial for the success of future advanced nuclear reactors. In this paper, we present a further investigation that the “vein-like” nanochannel films can enhance radiation tolerance under ion irradiation at high temperature and post-irradiation annealing. The chromium nitride (CrN) nanochannel films with different nanochannel densities and the compact CrN film are chosen as a model system for these studies. Microstructural evolution of these films were investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Elastic Recoil Detection (ERD) and Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD). Under the high fluence He + ion irradiation at 500 °C, small He bubbles with low bubble densities are observed in the irradiated nanochannel CrN films, while the aligned large He bubbles, blistering and texture reconstruction are found in the irradiated compact CrN film. For the heavy Ar 2+ ion irradiation at 500 °C, the microstructure of the nanochannel CrN RT film is more stable than that of the compact CrN film due to the effective releasing of defects via the nanochannel structure. Under the He + ion irradiation and subsequent annealing, compared with the compact film, the nanochannel films have excellent performance for the suppression of He bubble growth and possess the strong microstructural stability. Basing on the analysis on the sizes and number densities of bubbles as well as the concentrations of He retained in the nanochannel CrN films and the compact CrN film under different experimental conditions, potential mechanism for the enhanced radiation tolerance are discussed. Nanochannels play a crucial role on the release of He/defects under ion irradiation. We conclude that the tailored “vein-like” nanochannel structure may be used as advanced radiation tolerance materials for future nuclear reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni 3 S 2 nanoarrays directly growing on Ni foam are fabricated via an electrochemical corrosion method and used as freestanding electrode for sodium ion batteries. Based on high electronic conductivity facilitated by the 3D Ni backbone and fast surface redox reactions rendered by the ultrathin thickness of the Ni 3 S 2 nanoarrays, high pseudocapacitive contribution for the charge storage is induced in the Ni 3 S 2 -Ni electrode. Remarkably, the capacitive contribution is self-adaptively enhanced in cycling owing to the gradually reduced and stabilized charge transfer resistance, triggering exceptional electrochemical performance. The Ni 3 S 2 -Ni electrode delivers ultra-stable cycling with charge/discharge capacities of 344.2/350.6 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at 150 mA g −1 as well as high capacity recovery of 427 mAh g −1 after 70 cycles from 150 to 3000 mA g −1 . Meanwhile, practical application for the Ni 3 S 2 -Ni electrode is also preliminarily assessed. It exhibits promising fast discharge/slow charge (750/150 mA g −1 ) performance with initial discharge/charge capacities of 285.4/275.7 mAh g −1 and 244.8/242.2 mAh g −1 after 300 cycles. When matching with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cathode, it delivers discharge capacity of 347.8 mAh g −1 after 180 cycles at 200 mA g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a specialized type of dialysis. However, the characteristics and factors associated with nosocomial pneumonia in patients undergoing CRRT have received little attention to date. Therefore, this study investigated the characteristics of and factors contributing to nosocomial pneumonia in patients receiving CRRT. Methods The clinical data of 1160 patients undergoing CRRT during the period January 2008 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Of these 1160 cases, 145 (12.5%) were included in the nosocomial pneumonia group, while 1015 were included in the control group. Results The primary pathogen in the 145 cases of nosocomial pneumonia in the CRRT patients was Staphylococcus aureus (58.57%); the morbidity rate was 12.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) 2.209), initial curative time (OR 1.960), underlying diseases (OR 1.820), consciousness disorder (OR 1.616), organ failure (OR 2.154), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (APACHE II) (OR 1.186), and the Charlson Comorbidity Index score (CCI) (OR 1.278) were risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia (all p < 0.05). Conversely, the serum white blood cell count (OR 0.585), albumin (OR 0.673), and hemoglobin (OR 0.712) levels were protective factors (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Results from this study indicate that by modifying risk factors, such as providing adequate nutrition, earlier treatment of underlying diseases, and controlling organ failure, the risks associated with nosocomial pneumonia may be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the method of source images for the problem of sound propagation in a penetrable wedge [G. Deane and M. Buckingham, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 93 (1993) 1319-1328] is revisited. This solution is very important three-dimensional (3D) benchmark in computational underwater acoustics, since a wedge bounded from above by the sea surface and overlying a sloping penetrable bottom is the simplest model of a shallow-sea waveguide near the coastline. The corrected formulae for the positions of the source images and bottom images are presented together with the explanation of their derivation. The problem of branch choice in the reflection coefficient is thoroughly discussed, and the corresponding explicit formulae are given. In addition, numerical validation of the proposed branch choice schemes and the resulting wedge problem solutions are presented. Finally, source images solution is computed for a series of examples with different ratios of shear and bulk moduli in the bottom. The interplay between the acoustic-elastic waves coupling and the horizontal refraction in the wedge is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotating spiral waves in cardiac tissue are implicated in life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Experimental and theoretical evidences suggest the inhomogeneities in cardiac tissue play a significant role in the dynamics of spiral waves. Based on a modified 2D cardiac tissue model, the interaction of inhomogeneity on the nearby rigidly rotating spiral wave is numerically studied. The adjacent area of the inhomogeneity is divided to two areas, when the initial rotating center of the spiral tip is located in the two areas, the spiral tip will be attracted and anchor on the inhomogeneity finally, or be repulsed away. The width of the area is significantly dependent on the intensity and size of the inhomogeneity. Our numerical study sheds some light on the mechanism of the interaction of inhomogeneity on the spiral wave in cardiac tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization limits plant growth and threatens crop production. Research on salt response in plants, especially halophytes, is imperative. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) have critical regulatory roles in plant alkaline metal (sodium) salt stress response. Iris lactea var. chinensis is an ornamental and perennial herbaceous halophyte. In this study, a new WRKY TF gene IlWRKY1 was firstly cloned from I. lactea var. chinensis . IlWRKY1 cDNA sequence contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1083 bp, which encodes a protein (Mw: 38.77 kDa; pI: 5.22) of 361 amino acids. Analysis of the conserved domains of protein sequence indicated that IlWRKY1 belonged to the Group Ⅲ WRKY TFs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the IlWRKY1 was much closer to AoWRKY41 from Asparagus officinalis and MaWRKY41 from Musa acuminata subsp. malaccensis . Furthermore, analysis of mRNA transcriptional levels revealed that the expression of IlWRKY1 was notably increased under NaCl stress in I. lactea var. chinensis shoots, and achieved the highest level after 24 h of NaCl stress, suggesting that IlWRKY1 may be involved in I. lactea var. chinensis sodium salt responses. This work will conduce to the research on the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of the sodium salt tolerance in I. lactea var. chinensis by IlWRKY1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hashing based approximate nearest neighbor search has become a research hotspot in computer vision. Most existing hashing methods concentrate on projection learning, and few efforts are dedicated to quantization coding. In this paper, we present a multi-bit quantization strategy to improve the quantization quality of projection values by adaptively learning quantization thresholds and quantizing each projection dimension with multiple bits. Our method exploits both the similarity and the local structure of samples in the original feature space and the pair-wise samples coding consistency. Extensive experiments on two canonical image datasets have shown that our method consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art quantization methods in terms of query performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The charge/discharge mechanism and electrochemical performance of Zn 3 V 3 O 8 as anode for Li-ion batteries are systematically studied. Theoretical calculation predicts that Zn 3 V 3 O 8 can act as a host for Li storage, and a possible diffusion way of Li-ions within the crystal structure is calculated via first principle methods. Experimentally, Zn 3 V 3 O 8 nanosheets with porous architecture are fabricated via a facile hydrothermal pretreatment and subsequent sintering. The Zn 3 V 3 O 8 shows superior electrochemical performance with graphite electric additive, exhibiting discharge/charge capacity of 541/537 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at a specific current of 120 mA g −1 . The Li-storage mechanism is also studied via ex-situ XRD, and the maintenance of main diffraction peaks during lithiation/delithiation process suggests a possible intercalation/extraction mechanism of the Zn 3 V 3 O 8 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric disturbances constitute the main restriction factor for precise positioning techniques based on global positioning system (GPS) measurements. Simultaneously, GPS observations are widely used to determine ionospheric disturbances with total electron content (TEC). In this paper, we present an analysis of ionospheric disturbances over China mid- and low-latitude area before and during the magnetic storm on 17 March 2015. The work analyses the variation of magnetic indices, the amplitude of ionospheric irregularities observed with four arrays of GPS stations and the influence of geomagnetic storm on GPS positioning. The results show that significant ionospheric TEC disturbances occurred between 10:30 and 12:00 UT during the main phase of the large storm, and the static position reliability for this period are little affected by these disturbances. It is observed that the positive and negative disturbances propagate southward along the meridian from mid-latitude to low-latitude regions. The propagation velocity is from about 200 to 700ms-1 and the amplitude of ionospheric disturbances is from about 0.2 to 0.9 TECU min-1. Moreover, the position dilution of precession (PDOP) with static precise point positioning (PPP) on storm and quiet days is 1.8 and 0.9 cm, respectively. This study is based on the analysis of ionospheric variability with differential rate of vertical TEC (DROVT) and impact of ionospheric storm on positioning with technique of GPS PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetation has important impacts on coastal wave propagation. In the paper, the sensitivities of coastal wave attenuation due to vegetation to incident wave height, wave period and water depth, as well as vegetation configurations are numerically studied by using the fully nonlinear Boussinesq model. The model is based on the implementation of drag resistances due to vegetation in the fully nonlinear Boussinesq equation where the drag resistance is provided by the Morison’s formulation for rigid structure induced drag stresses. The model is firstly validated by comparing with the experimental results for wave propagation in vegetation zones. Subsequently, the model is used to simulate waves with different height, period propagating on vegetation zones with different water depth and vegetation configurations. The sensitivities of wave attenuation to incident wave height, wave period, water depth, as well as vegetation configurations are investigated based on the numerical results. The numerical results indicate that wave height attenuation due to vegetation is sensitive to incident wave height, wave period, water depth, as well as vegetation configurations, and attenuation ratio of wave height is increased monotonically with increases of incident wave height and decreases of water depth, while it is complex for wave period. Moreover, more vegetation segments can strengthen the interaction of vegetation and wave in a certain range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lamprophyre is one of the most important probes to understand the enrichment and depletion processes of the lithospheric evolution. Determining the age and petrogenesis of lamprophyres could provide critical data for deducing the timing and process of lithospheric revolution of the Sulu Orogenic Belt (SOB) and North China Craton (NCC). In this study, the Taolin lamprophyre in SOB was delineated by zircon U–Pb dating with the ages of 126 Ma. This lamprophyre is characterized by high contents of SiO2 and total alkali contents (Na2O + K2O), low Mg# value, low contents of total Fe2O3, MgO, and compatible elements, enriched in LREE and LILE but strong depleted in HFSE, as well as enriched Sr–Nd and depleted Pb isotope compositions (87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.707757 to 0.708048, εNd(t) = – 13.0 to – 12.7, 206Pb/204Pb(t) ratios of 16.934 to 17.000, 207Pb/204Pb(t) of 15.435 to 15.442, and 208Pb/204Pb(t) of 37.682 to 37.706). Interpretations of whole-rock elemental data suggest the Taolin lamprophyre was derived from 1% to 5% partial melting of spinel peridotite; and MELTS modelling indicates fractional crystallization of ~16.7% orthopyroxene and ~16.6% clinopyroxene under 1.5 Gbar. Based on the analyses of Neoproterozoic relic zircons and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic components of the Taolin lamprophyre and adjacent lamprophyres, we put forwards that there are several subducted crustal materials were trapped into the SOB lithospheric mantle, and the magma source of these lamprophyres might have experienced metasomatic processes not only by the hydrous fluids derived from the subducting Paleo–Pacific oceanic crust in the Jurassic, but also by melts derived from partial melting of the subducting South China continental crust in the Triassic. A geodynamic trigger for generation of the Taolin lamprophyre is proposed to be related to lithospheric thinning coupled with asthenospheric upwelling beneath the North China Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health problems in neonates with gestational age (GA) ≥ 32 weeks remain a major medical concern. Respiratory distress (RD) is one of the common reasons for admission of neonates with GA ≥ 32 weeks. Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) represents a crucial approach to treat RD, and currently, the most used NIV modes in neonatal intensive care unit include high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Although extensive evidence supports the use of NIPPV in neonates with a GA < 32 weeks, limited data exist regarding its effectiveness in neonates with GA ≥ 32 weeks. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of HFNC, CPAP, and NIPPV as primary NIV in neonates with GA ≥ 32 weeks who experience RD. Methods: This trial is designed as an assessor-blinded, three-arm, multi-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial, conducted in neonates ≥ 32 weeks' GA requiring primary NIV in the first 24 h of life. The neonates will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: HFNC, CPAP or NIPPV group. The effectiveness, safety and comfort of NIV will be evaluated. The primary outcome is the occurrence of treatment failure within 72 h after enrollment. Secondary outcomes include death before discharge, surfactant treatment within 72 h after randomization, duration of both noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, time to achieve full enteral nutrition, necrotizing enterocolitis, duration of admission, cost of admission, air leak syndrome, nasal trauma, and comfort score. Discussion: Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding the utilization of NIPPV in neonates with GA ≥ 32 weeks. This study will provide clinical evidence for the development of respiratory treatment strategies in neonates at GA ≥ 32 weeks with RD, with the aim of minimizing the incidence of tracheal intubation and reducing the complications associated with NIV. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300069192. Registered on March 9, 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=171491. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pore fluids control the diagenetic processes and storage spaces of deep clastic rock reservoirs and have become a major area of interest within the fields of sedimentology and petroleum geology. This paper aims to relate the diagenetic processes of the Oligocene Zhuhai sandstones in the Baiyun Sag to pore fluids varying with burial depth. The types and distribution patterns of authigenic minerals are investigated through analysis of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical features to illustrate the origin and flow patterns of pore fluids and their influences on reservoir diagenesis. Strong cementation of eogenetic carbonate cement near the sandstone–mudstone interface was a consequence of material migration from adjacent mudstones on a large scale. The pore fluids were mainly affected by microbial methanogenesis and carbonate mineral dissolution in adjacent mudstones during eogenesis. The pore fluids were diffusively transported in a relatively open geochemical system within a local range. Support for this model is provided by the heavier stable isotopic values present in eogenetic calcite and dolomite. Feldspar dissolution during early mesogenesis was spatially accompanied by the precipitation of authigenic quartz and ferroan carbonate cement. Pore fluids in this period were rich in organic acids and CO2, and their migration mechanism was diffusive transport. The obviously lighter carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of the ferroan calcite support this inference. During late mesogenesis, the input of deep hydrothermal fluid might have been partly responsible for the precipitation of ankerite, barite and authigenic albite. Oil charging may have inhibited carbonate cementation and compaction, accordingly preserving porosity, and together with authigenic kaolinite, might have promoted the transition of the reservoir from water wet to oil wet to the benefit of oil entrapment. The findings reported here shed new light on the evaluation and prediction of sandstone reservoirs that have experienced multiple periods of fluid flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: ADAMTS (disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) proteins are extracellular zinc metalloproteinases that play an important role in extracellular matrix assembly and degradation, connective tissue structuring, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Multiple studies suggest that ADAMTS proteins (e.g. ADAMTS9) can act as tumor suppressors. In gastric, esophageal, and nasopharyngeal carcinomas ADAMTS9 is frequently down-regulated by promoter methylation. Whether ADAMTS9 can function as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in colorectal cancer is still unclear. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR, to examine the expression of ADAMTS9 in colorectal cancer cell lines and primary colorectal cancer tissues. Methylation-specific PCR was also carried out to investigate the promoter methylation status of ADAMTS9. We also explored the functions of ADAMTS9 in colorectal cancer cell lines through in vitro experiments. Results: ADAMTS9 expression was down-regulated or silenced in 83.3% (5/6) of colorectal cancer cell lines, and frequently repressed in 65.6% (21/32) of colorectal cancer tissues. Down-regulation of ADAMTS9 was partially due to promoter methylation. Exogenous expression of ADAMTS9 in colorectal cancer cell lines inhibited cell proliferation and migration through the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. In addition, ADAMTS9 prevented the activation of Akt, and its downstream targets in colorectal cancer cell lines. Conclusion: Our findings suggest ADAMTS9 is a TSG in colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a simple and low-cost fabrication strategy to efficiently construct well-ordered micron and submicron gratings on polymeric substrates by oxygen plasma treatment is reported. The Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate is prepared on the polyethylene (PET) by spin-coating method, then the curved PDMS-PET substrates are processed in oxygen plasma. After appropriate surface treatment time in plasma the curved substrates are flattened, and well-ordered wrinkling shape gratings are obtained, due to the mechanical buckling instability. It is also demonstrated that changing the curvature radius of PDMS-PET substrates and the time of plasma treatment, the period of the wrinkling patterns and the amplitude of grating also change accordingly. It is found the period of the wrinkling patterns increased with the radius of curvature; while the amplitude decreased with that. It also shows good optical performance in transmittance diffraction testing experiments. Thus the well-ordered grating approach may further develop portable and economical applications and offer a valuable method to fabricate other optical micro strain gauges devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionospheric anomalies possibly associated with large earthquakes, particularly coseismic ionospheric disturbances, have been detected by global positioning system (GPS). A large Nepal earthquake with magnitude Mw 7.8 occurred on April 25, 2015. In this paper, we investigate the multi-dimensional distribution of near-field coseismic ionospheric disturbances (CIDs) using total electron content (TEC) and computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) from regional GPS observational data. The results show significant ionospheric TEC disturbances and interesting multi-dimensional structures around the main shock. Regarding the TEC changes, coseismic ionospheric disturbances occur approximately 10–20 min after the earthquake northeast and northwest of epicentre. The maximum ridge-to-trough amplitude of CIDs is up to approximately 0.90 TECU/min. Propagation velocities of the TEC disturbances are 1.27 ± 0.06 km/s and 1.91 ± 0.38 km/s. It is believed that the ionospheric disturbances are triggered by acoustic and Rayleigh waves. Tomographic results show that the three-dimensional distribution of ionospheric disturbances obviously increases at an altitude of 300 km above the surrounding epicentre, predominantly in the entire region between 200 km and 400 km. Significant ionospheric disturbances appear at 06:30 UT from tomographic images. This study reveals characteristics of an ionospheric anomaly caused by the Nepal earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxic effects of nanoparticles on individual organisms have been widely investigated, while few studies have investigated the effects of nanoparticles on ubiquitous multicommunity microbial aggregates. Here, periphyton as a model of microbial aggregates, was employed to investigate the responses of microbial aggregates exposed continuously to Fe2O3 nanoparticles (5.0 mg L-1) for 30 days. The exposure to Fe2O3 nanoparticles results in the chlorophyll (a, b, and c) contents of periphyton increasing and the total antioxidant capacity decreasing. The composition of the periphyton markedly changes in the presence of Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the species diversity significantly increases. The changes in the periphyton composition and diversity were due to allelochemicals, such as 3-methylpentane, released by members of the periphyton which inhibit their competitors. The functions of the periphyton represented by metabolic capability and contaminant (organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and copper) removal were able to acclimate to the Fe2O3 nanoparticles exposure via self-regulation of morphology, species composition and diversity. These findings highlight the importance of both physiological and ecological factors in evaluating the long-term responses of microbial aggregates exposed to nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy among aquatic organisms, especially microorganisms, has received growing attention in recent years for its role in shaping interactions with bloom-forming algae. Many studies have shown that allelopathy occurs and increases under nutrient limiting conditions. However, to date there is no reported direct evidence to indicate that allelopathy occurs under the condition of constant high nutrient supply. Here we report the allelopathic action of periphytic biofilm on bloom-forming cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa), which was triggered by the stress of high nutrient conditions, and continues while nutrients are maintained at high levels (trophic state index at 159 and 171). The experimental evidence indicates that the electron transport from photosystem II (PS II) to photosystem I (PS I) in M. aeruginosa is interrupted by the identified allelochemicals, (9Z)-Octadec-9-enoic acid and (9Z)-Hexadec-9-enoic acid, leading to the failure of photosynthesis and the subsequent death of M. aeruginosa. Our findings indicate that the nutrient stress of constant high nutrient supply may be a newly recognized trigger causing allelopathy between microbial competitors, and therefore opening a new direction for the better management of ecological processes in cyanobacteria-dominated and hyper-eutrophic waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein the design and preparation of novel magneto-polymeric nanohybrids that can be used as efficient and recyclable Pickering interfacial catalyst (PIC) in selective oxidation of alcohols. The nanohybrids Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @PTMA, bearing catalytic TEMPO functionalities, were synthesized through distillation-precipitation polymerization (DPP) of the precursor monomer 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl methacrylate (TMPM) and subsequent oxidation reaction. TEM, FT-IR, DLS, EA confirmed and quantified the TEMPO loading of nanohydrids (1.0–2.4 mmol · g −1 ). It was found that the TEMPO loading, particle size, as well as surface hydrophilicity could be finely tuned via simply adjusting the TMPM monomer fraction during polymerization. The performance of the resultant nanohybrids as PIC was then evaluated in a typical Anelli system, which showed superior catalytic activity for selective oxidation of alcohols. Moreover, the PIC can be easily recycled by applying magnetic field, and reused for the following cycles of oxidation without any loss on either conversion or selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandstone samples of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation were collected from different wells, and then fractal dimension was calculated for each of them and used to represent the characteristics of the tight sandstone reservoir. The fractal model based on mercury intrusion technique was employed to represent the pores fractal characteristics of these sandstones. The results show that fractal dimension microstructures could be separated into three groups: low fractal dimension group, two fractal dimensions group, high fractal dimension group. Thin sections show that pores in the low fractal dimension samples are mainly original unaltered, the sandstone samples with two fractal dimensions include the unaltered pores (primary intragranular pores) and dissolved ones, furthermore, stronger mechanical compression and cementation were conducted on high fractal dimension samples, so they are mainly intragranular dissolved pores. Fractal dimension is highly correlated with its physical parameters. The lower fractal dimension, the better porosity and permeability. Therefore, The fractal dimension was suitable and effective for characterizing the tight sandstone reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a numerical model to investigate the influences of breakwater layout on coastal waves, wave-induced currents, sediment transport and beach morphological evolution in the vicinity of breakwater. The numerical model is developed based on the sub-models for nearshore wave, wave-induced current, sediment transport and beach morphological evolution. Nearshore wave is simulated based on the parabolic mild-slope equation considering wave refraction, diffraction and breaking effects. Wave-induced nearshore current is modeled using the nonlinear shallow water equations in which wave radiation stresses are provided by wave model for driving current. Then, the two-dimensional suspended sediment transport equation, bed-load equation and coast beach morphological evolution are coupled with the wave and current models for simulating sediment transport and morphological evolution in coastal waves and wave-induced currents. The numerical model is firstly tested by the experiment results for coastal waves, near-shore currents, sediment transport and beach morphological evolution around breakwater from the Large-scale Sediment Transport Facility at the US Army Corps of Engineer Research and Development Center ( Gravens and Wang, 2007 ). Then the model is used to study the influences of breakwater layout on coastal waves, wave-induced currents, sediment transport and beach morphological evolution by set several breakwater layouts in the LSTF basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D porous CuS@Cu composite is prepared via a facile H 2 O 2 aided electrochemical corrosion method, which shows prominent electrochemical performance as freestanding electrode for Li-ion batteries. It delivers no capacity fading at a specific current of 0.5 A g −1 , showing discharge/charge of 845/834 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles. After 50 cycles at various specific current from 0.1 to 1.5 A g −1 , the CuS@Cu electrode can still exhibit no capacity fading over 300 cycles at 2 A g −1 , delivering discharge capacity of 414 mAh g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is highly desirable to develop flexible solid-state electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) with non-liquid electrolyte. However, it is still a great challenge to prepare gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) possessing high ionic conductivity and good mechanical property. In this work, a simple and novel method to improve the conductivity and mechanical properties of GPE film for their applications as electrolyte and separator in EDLC is presented. The GPE film is prepared by cross-linking ionic liquid (IL) with poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and benzophenone (Bp) followed by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Then, a non-woven cellulose separator (FPC) is used to absorb the GPE. By tuning the mass ratio (n) between IL and PEO, the flexible EDLC cooperated with low-cost active carbon and the electrolyte film with n = 10 has a high capacitance of 70.84 F∙g −1 , a wide and stable electrochemical window of 3.5 V, an energy density of 30.13 Wh∙kg −1 and a power density of 874.8 W∙kg −1 at a current density of 1 A∙g −1 , which can drive a 3.0 V light-emitting diode (LED). Importantly, the excellent performance of the flexible and low-cost EDLC can be maintained at a bending angle up to 180°, indicating the ultra-flexibility. It is expected that the IL-PEO-FPC electrolyte film is a promising candidate of GPE for flexible devices and energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demethylthio is one of the most important ways for microorganisms to metabolize triazine herbicides. Previous studies have found that the initial reaction of prometryn catabolism in Leucobacter triazinivorans JW-1 was the hydroxylation of its methylthio group, however, the corresponding functional enzyme was not yet clear. In this study, the gene proA was responsible for the initial step of prometryn catabolism from the strain JW-1 was cloned and expressed, and the purified amidohydrolases ProA have the ability to transform prometryn to 2-hydroxypropazine and methanethiol. The optimized reaction temperature and pH of ProA were 45 °C and 7.0, respectively, and the kinetic constants K m and V max of ProA for the catalysis of prometryn were 32.6 μM and 0.09 μmol/min/mg, respectively. Molecular docking analyses revealed that different catalysis efficiency of ProA and TrzN (Nocardioides sp. C190) for prometryn and atrazine was due to non-covalent changes in amino acid residues. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of s -triazine catabolism at the molecular level. [Display omitted] • ProA from the strain JW-1 was successfully identified and characterized. • ProA catalyzes the conversion of prometryne to 2-hydroxyprometryne and methyl mercaptan. • ProA has different catalytic efficiency for prometryne and atrazine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a highly malignant cancer with poor prognosis, is an example of the classical view of cancer development based on stem cell origin and multistep progression. In the past five years, the applications of large-scale sequencing and single-cell sequencing have expanded to human esophageal normal tissues and precancerous lesions, which, coupled with the application of transgenic lineage tracing technology in mouse models, has provided a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of esophageal stem cell heterogeneity and early clonal evolution of ESCC. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of esophageal basal-layer stem cells and their potential relationship with cells of ESCC origin. We present evidence that expansion of NOTCH1 mutants may call into play an evolutionarily conserved anti-cancer mechanism and mold the model of early clonal evolution in ESCCs. Finally, we discuss the potential avenues in this context. This review provides a focused understanding of the early development of ESCC, as a background for early tumor detection, intervention, and prevention strategies. • This review provides all-rounded evidence for the early development esophageal cancer. • Unlike rodent, human esophagus contains slow-cycling stem cell niches, which may be an evolutionary anti-cancer mechanism. • Some driver mutants in ESCC may play a tumor-braking role in normal and precancerous stages. • NOTCH1 mutants impede carcinogenesis and mold a punctuated early evolutionary model of ESCC. • The punctuated evolution model suggests the need to refine our understanding of precancerous lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co 2 B/CN triggered the water splitting reaction from visible to NIR regions. • "SPR effect" that noble metal featured was fabricated in the amorphous Co 2 B nanosheets. • Optimized Co 2 B/CN catalyst showed the activity for H 2 evolution outperformed Pt/CN. • Amorphous featured Co 2 B nanosheets provided massive active sites for reaction. • The promoted charge transfer and the inhibited e-/h+ recombination are available on Co 2 B/CN. Developing noble-metal-free photocatalysts to address the challenges of high recombination rate of electrons and holes and poor optical response is high desirable for water splitting. Herein, cobalt boride (Co 2 B) nanosheets with amorphous phases ordered in short-range but disordered in long-range was fabricated, and coupled with graphic carbon nitride (CN) photocatalysts in the form of B(δ−)–Co(δ+)–N(δ−) bonding states through an in-situ chemical reduction method. The optimized Co 2 B/CN nanohybrids exhibited a H 2 evolution rate of 56.86 μmol/h with the highest AQY up to 22.8 %, outperforming than that of Pt decorated CN. Theoretical calculation by DFT verify the characterization results and show that Co active sites on Co 2 B have better performance of adsorbing H atoms and desorbing hydrogen. The disordered structure of Co 2 B nanosheets contributed to water splitting performance by providing abundant active sites while metallic nature of Co 2 B facilitated electrons transfer and inhibited the recombination of electrons and holes. Moreover, theoretical calculation suggested that the high concentration of free carriers endowed Co 2 B with an resembled SPR effect, thereby increasing the light response of CN and triggering the reaction from visible-light region extended to the near-infrared region up to 800 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Selaginella mitogenomes have complicated network structures and unprecedented high GC content. • Mitogenome-based phylogenomics provides insights into the positions of two controversial groups of Selaginella. Spikemoss (Selaginellaceae) is one of the basal lineages of vascular plants. This family has a single genus Selaginella which consists of about 750 extant species. The phylogeny of Selaginellaceae has been extensively studied mainly based on plastid DNA and a few nuclear sequences. However, the placement of the enigmatic sinensis group is a long-term controversy because of the long branch in the plastid DNA phylogeny. The sanguinolenta group is also a phylogenetically problematic clade owing to two alternative positions resulted from different datasets. Here, we newly sequenced 34 mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of individuals representing all seven subgenera and major clades in Selaginellaceae. We assembled the draft mitogenomes and annotated the genes and performed phylogenetic analyses based on the shared 17 mitochondrial genes. Our major results include: (1) all the assembled mitogenomes have complicated structures, unparalleled high GC content and a small gene content set, and the positive correlations among GC content, substitution rates and the number of RNA editing sites hold; (2) the sinensis group was well supported as a member of subg. Stachygynandrum ; (3) the sanguinolenta group was strongly resolved as sister to all other Selaginella species except for subg. Selaginella. This study demonstrates the potential of mitogenome data in providing novel insights into phylogenetically recalcitrant problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the basic element and module unit in the construction architecture of smart city, the Internet of things (IoT) is also the key foundation and important support for realizing "automatic perception, rapid response, and scientific decision-making" of smart city. The study aims to improve the efficiency of power inspection in power enterprises and provide intelligent technology for power inspection. After the theoretical analysis of IoT and RFID technology under the background of smart city, the study discusses the information acquisition principle of RFID technology. Second, based on IoT and smart grid, the study takes the power equipment of power company A as an example, and puts forward the power inspection scheme, including the information required for inspection and the inspection of primary and secondary equipment. The specific contents are as follows: health assessment is carried out according to the real-time alarm of power equipment, and the control command is sent to the downstream control equipment to confirm the alarm information. Meantime, based on the alarm information of power equipment and related equipment, the expert analysis system is used for reasoning and analysis, and the RFID tag is used to supervise the inspectors to arrive at the site and inspect the situation according to the predetermined route. The temperature of the cable of power company A is measured under normal and hidden dangers, and the body insulation test is conducted on No. 1 main transformer. The results show that under normal operation, the cable temperature at each point is slightly different, which is basically about 40 °C. The temperature before the fourth point of the cable rises obviously, indicating that the fourth point has faulty. Over time, the more chemical molecules are detected in phase A. When phase B and phase C are tested on the same day, the difference of chemical molecular content is relatively small. It indicates that the chemical molecular content detected by chromatographic test of bulk insulating oil is normal. To sum up, smart power, as the objective need of urban intelligent development, is an important foundation of smart city. The power inspection scheme based on IoT and RFID technology proposed has high detection efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel iridium complexes with dibenzo-18-crown-6 substituted 2-penylpyridine (ppy) ligand have been synthesized and characterized. In order to investigate the electroluminescent properties of the resulting iridium complexes, polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) with device structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Emissive Layer/LiF/Al are fabricated using soluble poly( N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) as the host and the resultant iridium complexes as dopant. Consequently, the PLEDs with G1 as dopant exhibited the highest luminous efficiencies of 13.3 cd A and the maximal brightness of 13523 cd m at the doping concentration of 8 wt%. Moreover, the iridium complexes G1, G2 and G3 exhibited nearly identical Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.34 ± 0.1, 0.62 ± 0.1), which are very close to the CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.61) for Ir(ppy). This indicates that the CIE coordinates of the iridium complexes would not be influenced as the dibenzo-18-crown-6 groups pended on the meta-position of benzene ring of ppy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The translation, dissemination and reception of knowledge has served as an excellent indicator of changing ideologies and the major catalyst for institutional changes, language reforms and social transformation in China. However, English representations of the Chinese tradition of translation (e.g. Hung 2005; Hung and Pollard 2009) have not incorporated research findings from Chinese studies (e.g. Cohen 1995; Amelung, Kurtz and Lackner 2001; Elman 2005) and tend to provide unsubstantiated generalizations and hasty conclusions. This article uses a combination of "cultural tool" (Even-Zohar 2005) and "culture planning" (Even-Zohar 2008) as a frame of reference to provide a macroscopic perspective on knowledge translation in different Chinese historical periods as "a means of planning" (Toury 2002: 166) to promote religious agendas, modernize traditional Chinese natural studies, Westernize educational and academic systems, facilitate modernization of the state or participate in global knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of betulin-derived α-keto amides was identified as HIV-1 maturation inhibitors. Through lead optimization, GSK8999 was identified with IC 50 values of 17 nM, 23 nM, 25 nM, and 8 nM for wild type, Q369H, V370A, and T371A respectively. When tested in a panel of 62 HIV-1 isolates covering a diversity of CA-SP1 genotypes including A, AE, B, C, and G using a PBMC based assay, GSK8999 was potent against 57 of 62 isolates demonstrating an improvement over the first generation maturation inhibitor BVM. The data disclosed here also demonstrated that the new α-keto amide GSK8999 has a mechanism of action consistent with inhibition of the proteolytic cleavage of CA-SP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia play dual roles after germinal matrix hemorrhage, and the neurotrophic phenotype maybe neuroprotective. However, the phenotype transformation and the way by which neuron-microglia dialogue remain unclear. We raise the hypothesis that a cannabinoid receptor2 agonist (JWH133) accelerates the CX3CR1 + microglia secreting neurotrophic factors and restores damaged neuronal circuit. Here, we report a novel function of JWH133 in transforming the microglia CX3CR1 positive that secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which triggers neuron proliferation and neuronal restoration. Using a collagen VII-induced GMH model in rat pups postnatal day 7 (P7), we found that the drug showed robust activity in neuronal precursors. Moreover, the FA value of DTI in the internal zone revealed the positive effects of JWH133 on neural restoration. CX3CR1, a critical modulating molecule expressed in microglia, was upregulated after treatment with JWH133 and the corresponding shRNA (NM_133534.1) was used to silence the expression of CX3CR1. 3 days after treatment with JWH133, we detected reduced expression of biomarkers for neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in pups pre-injected in the lateral ventricular tissue with CX3CR1 shRNA, but not in pups injected with control shRNA. Overall, this study provides evidence that JWH133 promoted a neurotrophic phenotype of microglia (CX3CR1 + microglia), beyond merely alleviating microglial proliferation and inflammation. Moreover, JWH133 restored impaired neuronal circuit, which represent a novel therapeutic strategy following GMH in clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiO nanowalls with mean diameter of 300 nm and mean thickness of 30 nm have been successfully grown on Ni foam via an electrochemical corrosion approach and subsequent sintering. The NiO-Ni shows superior electrochemical performance as anode for sodium ion batteries owing to the morphological and architectural advantages. It delivers high charge/discharge capacity of 491/501 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at specific capacity of 300 mAh g −1 in a half cell. When matching with a Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 cathode, it can also deliver charge/discharge capacity of 103/108 mAh g −1 after 50 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that sparse array can offer better angle resolution than that of uniform linear array (ULA) in the same number of physical sensors. But in bistatic minimum redundancy sparse array multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar, it cannot offer closed-form degree of freedom (DOF) for the arbitrary number of sensors with direction of departure and direction of arrival estimation. Therefore, this article introduces a nested array and coprime array into sparse array to solve the problem. First, construct no holes difference-coarray by extracting specified covariance matrix elements. Then, transform the difference-coarray into ULA within bistatic MIMO radar through some mathematical operations. As a result, many angle estimation methods for traditional ULA can be applied to the sparse bistatic MIMO array radar. The proposed algorithm offers closed-form DOFs for sparse array and the array aperture is much larger than that of ULA with identical number of sensors. The usefulness of the proposed methods is verified through computer simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The cuticular wax covering epidermal cells causes the glaucous appearance in cabbage. As a protective barrier, cuticular wax plays various roles in protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. This is the first gene mapping report of a dominant glossy green cabbage mutant. In the present paper, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the wax crystals were severely reduced in the mutant, which indicates that the glossy green phenotype is caused by cuticular wax reduction. Genetic analysis revealed that the glossy trait is controlled by a single dominant gene. Through primer screening and fine mapping, the mutant gene BoGL1 ( Brassica oleracea glossy 1) was delimited to the end of chromosome C08 by the flanking marker SSRC08-76 at a genetic distance of 0.2 cM. Two genes homologous to CER1 ( ECERIFERUM 1), a gene related to wax biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, were located in the mapped region. Expressional analysis revealed that the Bol018504 gene was severely suppressed but that no nucleotide variation was found by sequencing. These results lay the foundation for the functional analysis of BoGL1, and they will accelerate the research on wax metabolism in cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for fabricating the stable and reusable microfluidic-integrated devices based on the Ag nanoparticles cladded with parylene have been demonstrated, which can be applied for biochemical sensing. The excellent parylene cladding structure acted as a protection layer for the Ag nanoparticles, enhancing the Raman spectrum intensity by forming the hot spot structure between the nanoparticles. By optimizing the parylene film thickness, the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensitivity of the R6G solution could be enhanced by three times, comparing with the initial substrate. The hydrophobic and biocompatible parylene cladding film also increased the repulsive to the molecular probes, enabling hundreds of measurement cycles and greatly increasing the stability and reproducibility. This method was also demonstrated to be reusable by flushing with water and alcohol through the integrated micro-channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature dependent fabrication of NiCr 2 O 4 is studied and the application of the as-prepared NiCr 2 O 4 in both half-cell with Li metal anode and full-cell with LiFePO 4 cathode are assessed. When mixing with natural graphite (NG), the NiCr 2 O 4 obtained at 550 °C can deliver initial charge and discharge capacities of 795 and 1275.5 mAh g −1 at a specific current of 150 mA g −1 , maintaining of 939 and 955 mAh g −1 after 140 cycles. In contrast, after 140 cycles at the same specific current, the NiCr 2 O 4 obtained at 450 °C and 650 °C can maintain charge/discharge capacities of 800/814 and 523/528 mAh g −1 , respectively. When matching with a LiFePO 4 cathode, The NiCr 2 O 4 /NG (obtained at 550 °C) electrode delivers initial discharge capacity of 285 mAh g −1 , which maintains of 106 mAh g −1 after 50 cycles at a specific current of 100 mA g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]